Peter Hibberd, M.D., is a doctor whose advice is based on more than 28 years of hospital outpatient and inpatient experience. He is an experienced emergency medicine physician, surgeon, and consultant. Dr. Hibberd is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He is also a fellow and active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, an active member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and a member and fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Hibberd has earned numerous national and international professional certifications, memberships, and awards.

Can Sleep Apnea Cause ED?

Question: Can sleep apnea cause for erectile dysfunction? I do take beta blockers for my high blood pressure. Could that be a factor?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Sleep apnea will not cause erectile dysfunction. But ED may accompany sleep apnea, if it’s not adequately treated. Be sure to have your health evaluated to be sure you do not have silent vascular disease or a significant reversible cause apart from your sleep apnea, which I presume is being treated properly with a positive pressure nocturnal device (either mask or nasal pillows).

You should also work on optimizing your weight to help correct your sleep apnea. Sudden death is common with patients who don’t treat their apnea.

Beta blockers are known to cause ED, and some are worse than others. Have your doctor either change your beta blocker or substitute another medicine to confirm and manage this suspected drug side effect. Do not stop the beta blocker yourself, as the doses need to be tapered under professional supervision to avoid some serious side effects that can occur with sudden beta blocker withdrawal, including stroke, arrhythmia, and heart attack

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